The 2nd annual High Desert Inter-Cultural Festival, A Day of Unity among Different Cultures presented by R.I.C.E. - Redmond Inter-Cultural Exchange was hosted in our building last Saturday April 12, 2008.

Visitors learned about other cultures and customs through displays of culturally-specific items, music, food, workshops and friendly conversation.

The following countries/cultures where represented: Colombia, Thailand, Germans from Russia, Paraguay, Venezuela, Hellenic Society, Panama, USA/Americana, Native American, Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua (Condega), Philippines, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Celtic Society, Japan, Ivory Coast of Africa and Guatemala.

Other activities included: musical performances, dance performances and instruction, art including a Japanese calligraphy workshop, kids activities and multi-cultural story times provided by Deschutes Library, Cuban and African drumming workshops.

Students from the International School of the Cascades volunteered. It was a pleasure to see them mingling with the public and presenters and see everybody having a blast.

Walking through the main hall felt like walking through a wonderful International market. Thanks R.I.C.E. for organizing this fantastic event for our community.